Manny stepped forward cautiously, keeping his voice low and unthreatening as he introduced himself. He didn’t attempt to close the gap between them, allowing the dog to remain planted as a barrier. He told her gently that she was safe, that no one here would hurt her or force her anywhere.
She didn’t respond, only gripping the dog’s fur so tightly her small hands trembled. Her gaze stayed lowered, as if the ground felt safer than meeting anyone’s eyes. Every shuffle in the hallway made her shoulders flinch, her body tightening like she expected a sudden blow to land.